Mrs. Carol Sue Hopson, 65, peacefully returned to her heavenly home on September 25, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. Carol’s devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her transition and ultimately gave her peace. Carol's life was the embodiment of a fully bloomed rose. God knew that Carol's journey here on earth was complete. Thus, he carefully handpicked her to add more beauty and tranquility to the garden of roses in heaven.
Carol was the first of twelve children, born to the late John William Rutledge Sr. and the late Peggy Ruth Cameron Rutledge, on February 27, 1950 in Troup County, Georgia. At an early age, Carol dedicated her life to Christ and joined Springfield Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Edward R. Davie, where she remained an active member until her death.
Carol attended West End High school and served as a proud majorette in the school’s marching band. Carol was blessed with many talents. West End High School is where she discovered and cultivated her gifts of cooking, sewing, and fashion. Carol blossomed like a beautiful pink rose into a lady of grace and elegance, and was the epitome of a “Classy” woman known for her trendy styles of clothing, which she often designed and sewed herself. Her fashion forward ideas shined through her creativity as a master seamstress. Highlights of her talents and creations included making bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses for her daughters and nieces’ weddings. Carol also exhibited her art of sewing while employed with Stone Mountain Park as a master seamstress responsible for tailor making an array of wardrobes and costumes for the various attractions and events. Carol continued to express her art of sewing as a dedicated employee with Crew Outfitters. Carol’s talents extended beyond cooking, baking, sewing, and fashion. She was also a member of the singing group the “Soul Streakers” from 1975-1979.
Carol Sue moved to Atlanta in 1968 where she met her beloved and dedicated husband, David Hopson, whom she was married to for 47 years and blessed with three daughters and five grandsons. Carol Sue had true admiration for her family. She loved her husband, children and grandchildren more than anything in the world. She maintained close mother-daughter relationships with her daughters whom she enjoyed spending time with whether shopping or just talking nightly. Her grandsons were also the joy of her life.
Carol Sue graced her family and friends with her irresistible charm. Known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, some may be surprised to learn of the extreme shyness of her youth. Yet even as a child, she possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing love and faith.
Carol Sue faithfully cared for her family and friends through delicious cooking and baking from scratch – including cake decorating, sewing and crafting. A woman of faith, Carol Sue shaped their spirituality as she modeled her commitment to God. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten.
Carol Sue was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Jeanette Rutledge. Carol Sue leaves to cherish her wonderful memories husband, David Lewis Hopson, Atlanta, Georgia; daughter Renee (Rodney) Jackson, Tyrone, Georgia; LaTricia (Rashid) Mustafa, Jonesboro, Georgia; Terrie (Reggis) Hicks, Hampton, Georgia; five grandsons, Javarious Hopson, Dameion Hopson, Justin Jackson, Jalen Jackson, and Javon Jackson; ten brothers and sisters, Katie R. Darden, Vickey Rutledge, Peggy Nell Rutledge, Janice Sanders, John (Carolyn) Rutledge, Jr., Daisy Rutledge, David (Francine) Rutledge, Beverly Rutledge, Billy Rutledge, Regina (Jimmy) Dukes, all of Hogansville, Georgia, two sister-in-laws; Annie Pearl Hopson, Atlanta, Georgia; Martha Lindsey, Hogansville, Georgia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.